{"product_id":"b0gl2x82fx","title":"Culture and History of Tonga: A Modern Guide","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnlock the Secrets of the Pacific’s Only Unconquered Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo the casual traveler, Tonga is a postcard paradise of turquoise lagoons, swaying palms, and humpback whales. It is the Friendly Islands—a place of smiles and endless summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut scratch the surface, and you will find a society of immense depth, complexity, and warrior pride.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCulture and History of Tonga: A Modern Guide  is not your typical travel book. It is a journey into the heart of a nation that defied the British Empire, navigated the treacherous waters of 19th-century colonialism without losing a single island, and built a unique modern identity on the bedrock of ancient tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this comprehensive and engaging paperback, you will discover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Empire of the Winds:  Journey back to the days of the Tu’i Tonga, the maritime dynasty that treated the Pacific Ocean like a local lake, building megalithic monuments and engineering the fastest ships the world had ever seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe King Maker:  The incredible true story of King George Tupou I, the warrior-savant who united the warring tribes, adopted the Bible as a shield against foreign powers, and created the Constitution that keeps Tonga free today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Social Pyramid:  Decode the intricate unwritten rules of Tongan society. Learn why a brother must defer to his sister, why the King speaks a different language than his subjects, and why a woven mat around the waist is more valuable than a suit and tie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kava Circle:  Step inside the  Faikava , the nocturnal parliament of the village, where men gather to drink the muddy water, gossip, and resolve conflict in a ritual that dates back centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sunday Silence:  Understand the profound role of the Church in daily life, where the Sabbath is law, the singing is thunderous, and the feast is mandatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModern Challenges:  Explore the paradox of a nation on the move—from the rugby fields of the World Cup to the diaspora communities in Utah and Auckland, and the existential fight against rising sea levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a traveler planning your first visit, a history buff fascinated by the Pacific, or a member of the global Tongan family seeking to reconnect with your roots, this book is your essential companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond the beaches and the resorts lies the true Tonga—a Kingdom of faith, family, and fierce independence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrab your copy today and step into the Kingdom of Time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ANT","offers":[{"title":"Ebook","offer_id":52827765244120,"sku":"YSL40884","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0835\/3356\/2072\/files\/71gbKpyFMbL._SY1500.jpg?v=1793173998","url":"https:\/\/www.bookmebay.com\/products\/b0gl2x82fx","provider":"BookMebay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}